With fall recruitment right around the corner, don’t forget to encourage your sisters and PNM’s to visit our site! Here is what we’re all about:

[Our mission at Sorority Ever After™ is to assist in the success of all parties involved in the sorority recruitment process. We continuously strive to provide potential new members and active chapters with the necessary tools to navigate recruitment. Sorority Ever After’s™ ultimate goal is to help everyone find their perfect fit.]

Cheers! Casey, Kate, and Rachel

Many sorority women are in the midst of planning formal recruitment. Kaity Nakagoshi reached out to us about her experience as a former Vice President of Membership that we want to share with you. We hope you enjoy her guest post. Cheers! – SEA

Guest Blogger: Kaity Nakagoshi

Kaity Nakagoshi is a Florida native who graduated from the University of South Florida. She is a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and was a Sigma Chi Sweetheart. She currently works for Zelen Communications in Tampa, Florida and is looking forward to obtaining her MBA from the University of Georgia. Follow Kaity on Twitter @KaityAtZelen.

My business card may not say “Event Planner” on it, but I sure as heck can play a mean party hostess. The reason why…recruitment! Although my college days seem ancient at this point, there are certain memories that seem like they were just yesterday.

One memory in particular that always stirs up a variety of emotions for me is when I served as vice president of recruitment for my sorority. On most campuses, the recruitment process is only about five days long, but the amount of planning and preparation that goes into that one week is tremendous.

When you break it down, each day of recruitment is basically a “party” in itself. In other words, it was my job to plan and coordinate a different themed party for each day, which included everything from décor, attire, song choice, refreshments, and activities. I will openly admit that I basically slept zero hours that week, but it was worth every minute and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I always knew I had a knack for design and organization, but my attention to detail is what really came in handy. It is definitely a necessary trait for anyone interested in hosting an event. During this leadership role, I learned quite a bit about myself, and about event planning as a whole. If you are considering taking on the responsibility of planning your chapter’s formal recruitment, or if you just want to throw a sophisticated party for fun, consider the following:

Budget – If you have a set budget, be sure to stick to it. Get estimates before making final purchases and save all your receipts just in case. Learning how to budget for a big event like sorority recruitment is a great way to get hands on experience about real life budgeting.

Delegate – This is crucial and was difficult for me to grasp but I finally realized that I didn’t have a choice. It is physically impossible for one person to take on every task. If you are a control freak like myself, just be sure to give very thorough directions when you show others how to do something.

Rentals – In order to accommodate for the number of persons attending an event, and to make it aesthetically pleasing, you may need extra materials such as tables, chairs, linens. lighting, fans, and dining ware. There is no need to purchase such items for a one-time use, but fortunately you can pretty much rent anything these days, and at a reasonable cost. Make sure that the linen rental company you choose is not already booked by the other chapters on campus.

Clipboard – It seems cliché for a party planner to walk around with a clipboard, but it is a necessity. These days of course, an iPad or Tablet would suffice just fine. Ultimately, the purpose of the clipboard is to keep everything running smoothly. Write yourself little reminders and cross off things that have been completed. Organization is of the utmost importance!

Composure – As with any situation where someone you might take on a leadership role, it is imperative that you keep your cool. In other words, never let ‘em see you sweat. It is completely normal and expected for a party planner to feel stressed and overwhelmed, but the thing that sets apart the rookies from the pros is the ability to appear calm in the midst of excitement.

Event planning and party hosting are far from easy tasks, but they are manageable. I have yet to take on a project quite like vice president of recruitment of my sorority, but I am confident that when it comes time for me to start planning my own wedding, I will not need to hire a professional.

Life is a balancing act and sometimes it seems impossible to manage everything. Sorority, School and Social. These three S’s probably seem to be running your life. They can also add another S into the mix – Stress. Here are a few ways you can conquer all of them:

Get organized. Utilize a planner or to do lists. Write down when you have due dates or deadlines and figure out ways to break those big tasks into smaller ones. Set target completion dates along the way.

Plan ahead. If you know you have a big presentation coming up but want to go out of town the weekend before, get your presentation out of the way. That way you can enjoy your time away without the weight of the presentation on your mind.

Prioritize. Everything may be important, but rank what is most critical to what is least critical. Then complete tasks in order. You may have to make tough choices and understand that something may have to come off your to do list.

Reach out for help. It is easy to feel like you are over committed. Ask a sister if she could help you study or make the banner for your philanthropy event. Delegation is a great skill to practice.

Take one day at a time. We all get overwhelmed with the millions of things we feel like we have to complete. Know that tomorrow is a new day and sometimes it is better to walk away from a paper, get some much needed sleep and start fresh the next day.

Of course we know that this is easier said than done, but you it is possible to balance them all.

What do you do that is most helpful to balance everything?

Cheers! Casey, Kate, and Rachel

If you ask a woman why she joined a sorority, she will most likely reference sisterhood. But what is sisterhood? What does it really mean?

To each sorority woman it is slightly different, but the general concept is the same. Sisterhood is a bond that unites them together. They hold similar values, are guided by the same rituals, respect the same heritage that their founders created, and wear the same letters of their beloved sorority.

Sisterhood is common among all sororities, but it is also what makes each sorority different. It is the reason to join one vs. another. As you go through recruitment you will hear the word sisterhood mentioned a million times. Though every sorority says it – the word means nothing unless you actually “feel it.”

Sisters are there to support each other, no matter what. No, we are not going to tell you that all sisters are BFFs or that they are all the same – this is not The Stepford Wives – but regardless sisters should respect one another.

When you are talking to different sorority women these are a few signs that can help you tell if sisterhood is something these women feel or if it is just a word they say.

They talk negatively about their other sisters.

They don’t seem to enjoy being around each other.

They say the word without any emotion behind it.

They don’t know another sister’s name.

They don’t know another sister’s interests.

What are some examples of how you were able to tell a sorority actually had sisterhood?

Cheers! Casey, Kate, and Rachel

Monique Goring is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and responded to our prompt: “We’ve gotten some email questions, and we’re looking for your help! Tell us about your positive experience as a minority in a Panhellenic chapter.” We thought it would be more useful for those of you with questions to read someone’s personal story. Monique has also expressed her willingness to speak with anyone individually. If you are interested in doing so, leave a comment or send us an email and we can get you connected with her.

Here is her guest post on her experience joining a NPC chapter. Thanks for the great insight & contribution, Monique! – Cheers, SEA

“Joining Alpha Omicron Pi in my sophomore year of college was truly one of the best decisions of my life. I never planned to join a sorority in college because my family is from the Caribbean, where Greek life is virtually unheard of. But, a sister in AOII drew me in and the chapter immediately welcomed me into their sisterhood. Considering the college and high school that I attended were predominantly composed of Caucasian students, race and culture were never factors for me in determining whether or not to rush an NPC sorority. When I decided to check out the Greek organizations at my college I just wanted to to feel like I could be myself in whichever chapter I chose. I did and still do however face back lash now and then from other students of color about my decision to join AOII – a reality that future PNMs of color should be aware of but certainly not deterred by. I think many Greek organizations have room for improvement in the way of cultural sensitivity, but I would not trade my membership in AOII for the world. Even my mother, who didn’t understand my membership in AOII for a long time, has come to appreciate the support my sisters offer me and the ways in which I have grown through AOII. As a collegiate, AOII helped me develop my leadership skills and confidence, and as an alumni, my sisters have helped ease the transition to a new city. I highly encourage any student of color who wishes to join an NPC sorority to give it a try and ultimately to decide which sorority is best for them on the basis of comfort, not color.” – Monique

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The Succeed with ADHD Telesummit Invites You to Listen in as 20 Experts Tell You What You Need to Know!

“I’m Having a Bad Day:” What to Do When You Feel Disheartened, Stuck or Out of Hope

You’ve heard it before, “This a good news diagnosis! Now you can soar! There are so many strategies to manage the challenges and unleash your potential! ADHD can be a gift!”

We know this. And yet, some days knowing this doesn’t help at all. It may make us feel worse. We are scattered. Unproductive. Frustrated. It feels like nothing has changed. And nothing ever will. We feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and irritable. Rushing around searching for our phone, yet again! “I just had it 5 minutes ago. ”

Other days, we seem dazed and confused, sinking into paralysis, as if Kryptonite was draining our willpower. Feeling stuck, we collapse on the couch, or seek comfort in food, drink, or drugs. We self-medicate or waste hours online. The bad days become bad weeks. Rick Green believes that everyone goes through this, whether they have ADHD, or a loved one does.

Over the past 15 years, Rick Green has learned simple strategies that ensure most days are ‘Good Days!’ When he recognizes a ‘Bad day,’ he takes a series of steps to interrupt the negativity, and turn the things. Often in a few minutes.

The nature of life guarantees some days are bound to be a difficult, sad, or just plain ‘awful.’ But there are things you can do to make even your worst days better.

Four Steps to Mindfulness

Everyone seems to be talking about mindfulness these days. But why is mindfulness important for people with ADHD? What is the secret for how to get started and stick with a mindfulness habit if you have ADHD? If you are looking for a simple way to create your own mindfulness habit, listen in to explore the four steps to mindfulness.

ADHD and Breaking Free of the Adrenaline Response Cycle

If you have ADHD you are no stranger to working to deadlines and crushing your work when there is no other option. Working under pressure can be an effective go-to asset in the workplace, but habitual use of this approach can make you vulnerable to an adrenaline response cycle (ARC) where you can become too dependent on urgency and pressure to get things done. A cycle of delay, delay, mad dash, crash and recovery ensues.

In this presentation, ADHD leader coach, Cameron Gott:

Defines ARC and identifies how smart people fall into this way of work by how they approach work and view time

Shares how inspiration and choice can be an effective antidote to urgency-based work production

Demonstrates how everyone can benefit by thinking like a leader to give them a strategic advantage and lessen the impact of ARC

Explains how small gestures of practice everyday can lead to diversifying motivators beyond urgency and break the adrenaline response cycle.

Calm and Confident Parenting – with a Coach Approach

Parenting ADHD kids is challenging anyway you look at it – and yet the role of the parent is essential to any effective treatment plan. In this interview with two no-nonsense moms — who are experts in coaching, ADHD and parenting — you will learn first-hand how YOU can help your kids become more independent and successful in managing their own ADHD – just by focusing on yourself. And the best part is that it’s actually fairly simple. It’s not about complicated systems or hiring more support, or convincing your kids to “try harder.” EFFECTIVE treatment starts when parents learn to take a coach-approach to parenting. In this discussion, you’ll learn:

Traditional parenting myths that just don’t work for kids with ADHD

The biggest mistakes parents of kids with ADHD tend to make

The REAL recommendations for treatment of children with ADHD

The basics of the Coach-Approach

A few simple tips you can apply immediately to feel more calm and confident in your parenting

Non-Medication Treatments for ADHD: Facts and Myths

It is easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of information available on non-medication treatments for ADHD. Some treatments have slick marketing techniques, but research shows they are ineffective. It may be difficult to figure out what to look for when determining whether you want to pursue a particular treatment. You will learn what research says are the most effective nonmedication treatments available for ADHD, and how to tell valid treatments from not-so-great ones.

Explosive Behaviors, Executive Functions and the ADHD Volcano

ADHD has commonly been reduced to the notion of “hyperactivity and not paying attention.” This session explains how “What is Seen is Not What Is.” The session incorporates the Theory of Executive Functions as described by Dr. Russell Barkley with the common description of ADHD “Core Symptoms,” anxiety and depression challenges and the unintentional but impairing and sometimes destructive behaviors we see in our clients with ADHD. By educating and addressing the impact of executive function challenges, we can provide sound strategies and solutions that pave the way for a successful, fulfilling future for our ADHD clients.

Combat Negativity and Thrive with ADD / ADHD

In this modern world, negativity is everywhere and has become the norm. While it makes sense for everyone to combat negativity in their lives, it’s extremely important to those affected by ADHD to do so. Negativity affects those with ADHD in different ways than than than the average person and even the most effective treatments can be hampered by negativity.

In this session, Tara McGillicuddy will discuss the importance of becoming aware, identifying and understanding the impact of negativity in the lives of those affect by ADHD. She will also help listeners develop an action plan to combat nativity. It’s time to begin to identity and combat negativity!

Make Sense of ADHD and Executive Function Deficits

It is well documented that individuals with ADHD exhibit behaviors such as avoidance/procrastination, “brinkmanship,” psudoinsufficiency and juggling. Many of these behaviors are associated with deficits in executive functioning, including emotional regulation, task initiation, time management, planning and prioritizing. Executive Function challenges can have a negative impact in everyday life in ways such as missing reminders to pay a bill or renew a diver’s license, being late for and/or missing appointments and becoming so upset that it is hard to come up with an alternative plan, getting excited about a project or social gathering and then losing interest and missing a deadline or regretting a missed social opportunity. People with ADHD are described as natural born leaders, creative, hyperfocused, enthusiastic, have high energy and empathic. It is these positive characteristics that can pose a significant barrier (yes, barrier) to change. In this session, Dr. Kelly Robinson will:

Define Executive Functions and how they impact daily life

Explain the comorbidity of Executive Functions and ADHD

Identify the barriers to change (obvious barriers and barriers that may not be so obvious)

Share specific tools to start and sustain change around time management, organization, planning and prioritizing

When There’s Three in a Marriage — You, Me and Your ADHD

When Tom and his wife, Yvonne, get together to talk about ADHD, you know anything can happen. More often than not, hilarity ensues. And that humor and appreciation for one another is what has helped keep their marriage going. In this call, Tom and Yvonne share their secrets to marriage when there’s three — you, me and your ADHD.

Thank you for the telesummit! I can’t say enough great stuff about it, all the calls have been amazing. I seriously cannot believe how much of what they say applies directly to me, and has for years. I can’t think of anything I’ve heard that didn’t make me think «Oh my gosh YES!» or » So glad I’m not the only one, I thought I was just crazy!» and «Oh THAT’S why I do that/am that way» etc, etc. I have been having a rough time lately and to hear everything you’re feeling be explained in such a way is just. I don’t know, like a million pounds lifted off my shoulders. Or more like my brain really.

M.K. 2016 Telesummit Listener

Thank you so much for this access. It definitely provides a variety of information. As an adult with ADHD, I’m more drawn to the discussions regarding adults, however it’s interesting to hear how parents are dealing with kids with ADHD because my diagnosis came as an adult and I wish my parents had been open to using different parenting techniques to work with me more.

This is the only place where I feel understood and can hear others who really tend to feel similarly. I never thought that ever existed before. But it does in your organization. And it’s exciting that it has connected so many experts to contribute information and opinions to assist in successful lives for people with ADHD and their families.

L.B. 2016 Telesummit Listener

Thank you VERY MUCH for this summit. Having not been properly diagnosed until 2015, at the age of 59, I grieved for the person I was who didn’t know ‘what was wrong with her’. Yes, I wish I had known a long time ago and live life over again, but such is not my destiny (or anyone else’s!). Bless you for all the information I will get from your summit.

M.S. 2016 Telesummit Listener

Thank you for putting these teleseminars on. It makes me feel much better that I don’t feel so alone in my ADD dysfunction. Getting systems in place will help so very much.

S.T. 2016 Telesummit Listener

Thanks again for doing this; I LOVE the resources! These people are INCREDIBLE. They have provided an immeasurable amount of valuable information that is INFINITELY useful.

S.V. 2016 Telesummit Listener

Just wanted to thank you, and all of the guest speakers, and everyone involved in putting together the Succeed with ADHD Telesummit. It is amazing, as usual, and it is only Day 2! Thank you for making a difference.

Captain Lloyd is a full time fishing guide, his fishing techniques are typically very hands-on. It is his goal to help you not only catch lots of fish on the day of your trip but help you improve your skills as an angler as well.

Captain Lloyd Schrack is a USCG Licensed Master Captain and a NYS Licensed, Hunting and Fishing Guide who maintains his certifications in First Aid, CPR and AED through American Red Cross.

He is also a member of the Niagara River Anglers Association and the LaSalle Sportsman Club of Niagara Falls, New York.

We provide fishing trips in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Upper and Lower Niagara River and the Niagara Bar. Ameri-can Fishing Charters is a friendly, enthusiastic guide service that has served hundreds of customers. Captain Lloyd’s fishing knowledge and love of the sport have consistently resulted in many a successful day of fishing. He has spent countless hours learning tricks to enticing fish to bite and can guarantee your best shot at having a successful day! He enjoys helping others catch fish as well as sharing the secrets that have given him a competitive edge. Your fishing party will be given his personal attention and best effort to ensure a successful and enjoyable guided fishing trip.

Captain Lloyd also offers river familiarization trips for anglers and boaters new to the Niagara Region or tournament preparation trips. If you just want to enjoy the outdoors and step off solid ground to view Niagara’s beautiful waterways for spectacular photographs. Drop us an e-mail or call us and we will give the details. Don’t hesitate to call because if there’s one thing Captain Lloyd enjoys as much as fishing- it’s talking about fishing!

All top name equipment, fishing tackle, fresh bait, fish cleaning and packaging are included. Our vessel is a Lund Pro V SE 1900 Tournament Edition Powered by a Honda BF 150 and is Fully Insured and Inspected.

“Fish any body of water enough and you’ll learn spots where you can almost guarantee a strike” Make it your year to catch some of the biggest fish of your life.